In theory, holding an MLS exhibition in conjunction with the
National Soccer Hall of Fame's induction ceremonies in Oneonta, N.Y., was a great idea.

In practice, it doesn't work. Only four days
before this year's game was scheduled to be, the Hall of Fame announced that the game between MLS clubs New York and Columbus was canceled. Injuries and a crowded scheduled were cited as results for the cancellation. New York and Columbus, currently fifth and sixth in the Eastern Conference, each had five players out with injuries when they played last Saturday in Columbus. The game had been scheduled before Bruce Arena was named the coach of the Red Bulls -- winless in four games since he took over.

Last year's MLS exhibition was supposed to feature Freddy Adu in his
Oneonta debut, but he didn't play for D.C. United in its loss to Colorado.

The remaining schedule of events during induction weekend Aug. 26-28 will go on as scheduled, including the induction ceremonies (free to the public) scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. in the Hall of Fame Museum. This year's inductees are former
U.S. national team stars Alexi
Lalas and Carla
Overbeck, “veteran” Al Trost and
“builder” Philip
Anschutz.